Precision Meets Performance
The Geode™ Advantage in Trenching

As PCB designs evolve toward higher density and performance, Trenching has become essential for signal routing, thermal management, and copper density optimization. However, achieving high-quality trenching at production-scale throughput remains a challenge. Enter Geode™ Laser Drill, equipped with Acousto-Optic Deflectors (AODs) and advanced pulse shaping capabilities.

Released: July 1, 2025
Author: Ryan Wagner

Technical Highlights

  • AOD-Based Motion Control: Unlike traditional galvo systems, Geode’s AODs enable constant velocity scanning, eliminating inconsistent overlaps caused by acceleration/deceleration. This results in uniform energy deposition and reduced heat-affected zones (HAZ)
  • Pulse Overlap Optimization: (General sense of capabilities) Geode allows precise control over bite size and pulse repetition frequency (PRF), which yields clean trench edges with minimal taper variation.
  • Trenching Geometry Control: Geode supports multi-ring and rectangular pulse shapes, enabling trench widths from 25 µm to 115 µm. This flexibility is critical for adapting to different dielectric stacks and copper thicknesses.

Key Metrics

  • Taper: Over 90% on mSAP layers
  • Clean kerf edges with <30% bite size for minimal scalloping

Takeaway

Geode’s precision capabilities make it the most versatile platform for trenching applications, ensuring roadmap readiness for next-gen PCB designs.